Rugged 3U OpenVPX Ethernet network switch that meets open-systems standards introduced by Curtiss-Wright

ASHBURN, Va. – The Curtiss-Wright Corp. Defense Solutions division in Ashburn, Va., is introducing the VPX3-655 Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)-based Ethernet network switch for connected, size, weight, and power (SWaP)-constrained aerospace and defense systems.

The switch is for converged processing systems that provide high-speed 10- or 40-gigabit network links between processors and also require flexible high-speed connectivity to external sensors, datalinks, and other systems. The module also provides Multicast support to ensure efficient data distribution.

The 3U OpenVPX Ethernet switch module provides as many as 20 high-speed Ethernet ports, and enables designers to build Ethernet connectivity within the chassis and externally to other destinations on the platform.

Its versatility also includes support for Ethernet data rates, including 100-megabit-per-second, 1 gigabit-per-second, 10 gigabit-per-second and 40 gigabit-per-second.

Related: When high-performance embedded computing meets open-systems standards

It delivers backplane connectivity while also supporting external 10GBASE-T connectivity via low-cost twisted pair Ethernet cable. The VPX3-655 is for C5ISR system designers who require external BASE-T interfaces to support Ethernet connectivity.

The switch is pin-compatible with earlier 1-gigabit/100-megabit-per-second Ethernet switches, including Curtiss-Wright’s VPX3-652 and VPX3-685.

The VPX3-655 brings 10-gigabit Ethernet connectivity to legacy systems while maintaining compatibility with lower speed connections. With its twelve ports that support 10GBASE-T / 1000BASE-T, the module eliminates the need for separate media conversion.

For more information contact Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions online at www.curtisswrightds.com.